7 Kokudan squadron flies 12 out of the original 14 RF-4E’s that have the camera
noses. They also are equipped with 17 RF-4EJ Kais that are upgraded F-4EJ Kai
interceptors capable of carrying a variety of recce pods. All the F-4 aircraft are being
replaced by the Mitsubishi F-2 with reconnaissance being provided by other aircraft.

McDonnell Douglas RF-4EJ 57-6913 C/N 4639 was delivered in January 1975. The JASDF serial
number system makes it possible to determine information concerning each aircraft. The first digit
in the serial number is the last digit in the year of delivery; in this case it is 5 making the delivery
year 1975. The second digit 7 identifies the aircraft as a Phantom and the third digit 6 identifies
the aircraft as a Reconnaissance version. This aircraft was updated to KAI standards and
belongs to the 501st Hikotai.

Specifications for the F-4E Phantom II / F-4EJ

They are virtually identical except for the restricted equipment:
This included removal of the in-flight refueling receptacle that was later retrofitted,
no leading edge slats, ground attack control equipment such as weapons and bomb
delivery systems and the addition of modern electronic equipment including a data
link system and radar warning receiver. Most or all this equipment was eventually
reinstalled.

Number Built: F-4E - 5,195 / F-4EJ - 154 with 138 built in Japan under license.

Interesting trivia:
Each aircraft has 54,197 feet of wiring and 643,000 fasteners holding it together.